Police station front desk to return after closure

Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has announced the new station

A town is set to have a replacement police station almost 10 years after the previous one closed.

The new station will be at the former Barclays building on The Square in Petersfield, Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has announced.

She confirmed that construction work will begin on the site next month and it is scheduled to open to the public early next year.

It was announced in September that Ms Jones had set aside £2m to reinstate front desks in Hampshire, a decade after many were closed as part of public sector austerity cuts.

'Boost police visibility'

PCC Donna Jones said: “The new base will have a front counter so people will be able to come in and report a crime, get updates or simply get advice and reassurance on any concerns they may have."

The reopening is part of Ms Jones' planes to increase the presence of officers in Petersfield.

"This new base will not only boost police visibility but it will further support victims of crime and enable swifter justice in taking criminals off the streets and out of the community.” She said.

Ms Jones has also pledged to recruit 75 more police officers over the next 12 months.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “Being in the heart of our local communities is crucial.

"Having a new permanent base in Petersfield town centre is just the latest step in our plans.

"It will provide greater visibility and access for the residents that we serve, and a far better environment for our officers and staff to work from."